Your pet can’t tell you that they’re in pain. September focuses on the education of pain in pets – what to look for, prevention and promotions for pain management.
Pain is an unfortunate but universal aspect of life, affecting not only humans but also our beloved animal companions. As responsible pet owners, it’s our duty to recognize and address pain in our pets, ensuring their comfort and well-being. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of understanding pain in your pet, from recognizing signs to seeking appropriate treatment. If you suspect your pet is in pain, don’t hesitate to seek professional veterinary care. Remember, our pets rely on us to be their advocates and provide them with the best possible care, even when they can’t express their pain in words.
The first step to identifying pain is knowing what to look for. Here are common signs of pain that dog and cat owners can look for. If your pet shows one or more of these behaviors and you suspect it may be due to pain, notify your veterinarian immediately.
Whimpering, whining
Yelping, howling
Grunting, groaning
Decreased socializing
Appetite suppression
Changes in sleep patterns
Accidents in the house
Biting, licking, or scratching at a part of its body
Grimacing
Glazed eyes
Dilated pupils
Dropped ears
Increased panting when at rest
Difficulty getting up
Reluctant to move
Restlessness
Get up, lie down, and repeat
Circling
Trembling or seeking more attention
Looking dull, lacking shine
Tufts of hair standing in certain areas
Increased aggression
Growling or biting
Pinned back ears
Acting out of character
Limping
Not putting weight on a limb
Resisting being picked up
Hiding
Hunched posture
Frequent meowing
Hissing
Purring
Growling
Decreased socializing
Appetite suppression
Changes in sleep patterns
Frequent urination
Not using the litter box
Sleeping more than usual
Biting, licking, or scratching at a part of its body
Grimacing
Glazed eyes
Dilated pupils
Dropped ears
Increased panting when at rest
You can download the Feline Grimace Scale Phone App to identify whether your cat in feels pain
Difficulty getting up
Reluctant to move
Restlessness
Get up, lie down, and repeat
They can’t leap as high as they used to
Trembling or seeking more attention
Avoiding being petted or held
Hiding more than usual
The Assisi Loop is an FDA-cleared, non-pharmaceutical, anti-inflammatory device that can be used to treat your pet's pain at home! It is a proven first-line and adjunct therapy for managing persistent pain and inflammatory conditions. By emitting bursts of micro-current electricity, the Assisi Loop creates a field that evenly penetrates both soft and hard body tissue around the target area which can be used to speed healing, reduce inflammation, and lower pain levels.
Laser therapy is a painless, non-invasive, drug-free treatment tool that is useful for treating a variety of conditions on a variety of pets. Laser therapy is used to accelerate healing, decrease swelling, and manage pain. Contact us today to learn more about our Pain Awareness Month Promotion. You can select 1 or 6 Treatment Package
We are a locally owned and operated NW Calgary veterinary hospital. We provide routine and urgent care for all your pet’s veterinary needs.